Gen X and Millennials Face Higher Cancer Risks, Study Shows
A recent study from the American Cancer Society highlights a concerning trend—Gen X and millennials are up to three times more likely to develop certain types of cancer compared to older generations like baby boomers. Published in The Lancet Public Health, the study analyzed data from over 23 million patients diagnosed with 34 common types of cancer.
17 Cancers on the Rise in Younger Generations
The study identified that rates of 17 cancer types, including breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and colorectal cancers, have risen significantly among younger generations. For example, millennials were shown to have small intestine, kidney, and pancreatic cancer rates that are two to three times higher than baby boomers. Other cancers, like uterine cancer, have seen massive increases—up by 169% in younger groups.
Even cancers that were once on the decline among older generations, such as certain head and neck cancers not associated with HPV, have shifted. Gen X now experiences a 26% higher rate of these cancers compared to baby boomers.
Possible Causes Behind Rising Rates
Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society, suggests that rising obesity rates could be a key driver. “Because cancers take a long time to develop, it’s likely that environmental and lifestyle factors, such as carrying excess pounds, came into play when these individuals were teenagers and children,” he explains. He also points to unhealthy diets, sugary drinks, and lack of exercise as contributing factors.
Dr. Jiyoung Ahn from NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center believes that environmental changes, including shifts in the microbiome and antibiotic usage since the 1950s, may also play a role.
Why Young Adults Should Stay Vigilant
“This study gives concrete evidence that the increasing rates of early onset cancers is real,” emphasizes Dr. Ahn. One of the major concerns is that many of these cancers are harder to detect and treat. For example, there are no effective screening tests for cancers like uterine and pancreatic cancer, making early diagnosis a challenge.
Dr. Deborah Doroshow, from Mount Sinai, also warns that some of these rising cancers are more aggressive. “This is showing that numerous types of cancer are increasing in younger cohorts, even cancer types that were getting less common in older cohorts,” she says.
The Call for Preventative Action
Experts stress the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles as early as possible. Dr. Alfred Neugut of Columbia University argues for systemic change, saying, “We have to focus on teenagers, people who are in high school or college. It’s telling us that we need to put recess back in the curriculum for younger kids. These days kids are sitting around playing video games and not exercising. We can’t wait until people are middle-aged.”
Dr. Dahut also urges young adults to advocate for their health. “If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, persistent abdominal pain, weight loss, or swollen lymph nodes, you shouldn’t take a doctor’s word that you are too young to get cancer as the truth. Go find another doctor,” he says. He also recommends understanding family cancer history as part of proactive health care.
Looking at the Bigger Picture
The findings have shaken the medical community, with Dr. Neugut calling them a warning for early lifestyle intervention. While a direct cause is still not fully understood, this study underscores the pressing need for greater awareness. Changes in lifestyle and systemic attention to younger populations are critical to reversing these alarming trends.
